Lucy says the ups and downs in hospitality with Covid made her realize she needed to expand her skill set.
In May 2022, the self-confessed dog obsessive took a salon management and dog grooming course at Four Paws in Leftwich, and started trading as Barkin’ Bubbles afterwards.
By June 2023, the 28-year-old’s list had grown so fast that he quit his bar job and went full-time, currently working out of his purpose-built salon in his back garden in Winsford.
He only takes one dog at a time, which reduces their stress, and he always lets his dog’s parents know half an hour before they finish so they don’t have to wait.
Now, just 10 months after going full-time, he has a waiting list, exhibited at Cruft, polled in the top three at national competitions, and last week qualified as ‘pet groomer of the year’ finalist in the Animal Star Awards 2024.
Lucy says she ‘couldn’t imagine’ her new business has grown so quickly, but admits life as a top dog groomer isn’t exactly what she expected.
He said: “I thought I would just groom dogs all day, but the business has a life of its own. Everything spirals.
“I travel all over the country with my two Bedlington Terriers for competitions; I exhibited at Crufts; and I spend an enormous amount of time managing social media.
“I’m even a brand ambassador for a company that makes scissors. They were in my salon recently for a full photoshoot.
“I don’t know why, but I imagined that I was only dealing with dogs all day, and not people. But I am lucky to have a good connection with all my clients.
“Running my own business is incredible. I love being around dogs and I have four myself. It just doesn’t feel like work at all.
“Working in hospitality, I couldn’t have Friday or Sunday off, but now I can.
“I’m one of these people who can’t say no, so I usually work on my days off, but at least it’s my choice.”
Lucy says one of her most popular styles is called Asian Fusion, which her clients say makes their dogs look like bears.
“It works best on poodles and poodle crosses with tight curly coats. It’s big in Japan, and it makes dogs look like Anime characters. It is very popular right now.
“They have soft legs, short stubby bodies, and small round muzzles. They make them look really young, and a bit like teddy bears.”
